Dear Parents and Guardians,
It is an honor to introduce myself as the Interim Executive Director of Cannon River STEM School and to join this extraordinary school community. I hope that this note finds you and your family well during these unprecedented times. I can assure you that I share in this school community's commitment to caring for your children each and every day while providing them a learning environment rich in science, technology, engineering and mathematics along with the core subject areas.
I’ve been working in education for over 20 years. Prior to graduating from the University of Minnesota with a Master’s Degree in Education and from Hamline University with a degree in Elementary Education, I lived in Madrid, Spain for four years. I studied at the University of Madrid and I taught English to children and adults for a private language school. Upon moving back to the United States I was part of the founding
team of teachers at the Robbinsdale Spanish Immersion School where I also taught the 3rd and 4th grades in Spanish.
I then co-founded a private language school in the Twin Cities that specializes in teaching world languages and cultures to children and adults in Minnesota. In 2018-2019 I expanded the school to three other states; Iowa, Idaho and Colorado. As Executive Director I was in charge of curriculum design and development in nine languages, hiring, training and developing talented teachers, advertising, marketing and registering new students, and teaching English and Spanish to preschoolers, elementary, middle and high school students as well as adult business professionals. I also launched the translating and interpreting, study abroad, and corporate consulting departments within the language school. I am the author of Spanish curriculum for children and the producer of virtual Spanish lessons for children and adults. Most recently I was in charge of moving the entire school to a distance learning platform.
On a personal note, I have been married to my wonderful husband for 24 years. We have raised our two children in a bilingual home. My husband, Jim, speaks to our children in English and I speak to them in Spanish. Our son is a junior at Mankato State University and our daughter is a senor at Hill-Murray High School in Maplewood.
Although I have always felt at home in the classroom, it is in my position as a school director where I have been most fulfilled in my life’s work. Working as a school director provides me the chance to work collaboratively with teachers on a daily basis, while also remaining connected to young students learning and growing in the classroom. My goal is to ensure that every student is provided the highest quality education possible in a safe and supportive learning environment whether that be in person or through hybrid or distance learning. Working together as a team with our staff, parents, and community, I am committed to helping each student achieve their very best,
even during these challenging times of COVID-19.
I would like to say "thank you" to all of the students, teachers, paraprofessionals, administrative staff and families that have given me such a warm welcome. I am truly blessed to be the Interim Executive Director of such an supportive school community.
In closing, please know that my door is always open to you. I heartily welcome your conversation and positive input throughout this academic year. I look forward to celebrating our collective success during the 2020-2021 school year!
Respectfully,
Theresa Gunderson
Interim Executive Director
